Chelsea to sabotage United’s deal for Barcelona forward

The Premier League champions are set to launch a last-ditch bid for the Spain international, who is set to leave the Nou Camp before the close of the transfer window.

The 28-year-old, who has 50 international caps, scored 11 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for Luis Enrique’s side last season as Barca went on to win the triple – La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

However, it is understood that Premier League rivals United are still in pole position to land Pedro after Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward flew out to Barcelona earlier this weeks for talks with the winger.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is thought to want to bring in another forward to Stamford Bridge within the next fortnight following the Blues’ sluggish start to the season, losing to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield before earning just one point from their opening two league games.